Turningpoint: Your Lifestyle, Your Well-Being December 2017 Magazine

Issue 2 - December 2017

EXCLUSIVE

SISTER SLEDGE shares about loss of their

Plus great giveaways and

much more...

SISTER JONI

INSPIRED ART with soul by ANDRE PARCHMENT

FINE DINING Review by Tony Jazz, our own Mr Top Hat

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING WITH

SISTAHINTHERAW

AND KENNETH BARRETT

CURTIS WALKER Britain’s Very Own Funny Man About Life

RUSSELL PETERS

Toronto’s International Comedian About His Views On Life

Ÿ Aunt Gertrude’s Corner

Ÿ Lionel Best from BIG

shares about working with young people and the challenges&&success success of being an entrepreneur

Ÿ Funky Butterfly and

Funky Tots take off

Ÿ Russell Peters, Canada’s

Ÿ Exclusive Interview with

Sister Sledge about the Loss of their Sister Joni

International Comedian. Ÿ Curtis Walker, Britain’s UK Comedian on life.

FINE DINING

Ÿ Restaurant review by Tony

Jazz our very own Mr Top Hat

Ÿ How to Plan for a Healthy

Plant Based Season with Sistahintheraw. Ÿ Kenneth Barrett on turning 60.

Art and Soul

Ÿ Works of art by artist Andre

Parchment.

Ÿ An Honest Truth about her

TurningPoint by Katie Rose.

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Feature

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SISTER SLEDGE

Feature

ABOUT THE LOSS OF THEIR

SISTER JONI

IN MARCH 2017 On 15th march 2017 this official statement was released:

“The medical examiner and Joni's personal physician determined on 10th March 2017, that her death was due to natural causes which arose from complications from a pre-existing condition.

Please continue to respect the family’s request for peaceful privacy during this very difficult time.

Thank you &God Bless You!” Page 6 | estheraustinglobal.com

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everyone’s life and as much as she felt the loss she also knew she had gained much. “There is something missing, there’s a place of just that little pain that you know you’re missing someone very precious, someone very important in your life. You know we were so close and we did everything together, so its very difficult to not have her with us, but there's also another aspect where we have such richness that she brought to our lives and we have that with us and that is what really keeps us going, we feel so blessed to have known this remarkable person who was very close to us.”

Kim expressed how much she missed Joni adding nostalgically how Joni had always been one to live life in the present moment. “I can honestly say and this is the first.

T

his was the moment the world lost another iconic artist and individual.

Formed in 1971, Sister Sledge consisted of sisters Debbie, Joni, Kim and Kathy Sledge.

Symbolizing strong family values, the siblings achieved international success at the height of the disco era.

With Kathy embarking on a solo career in1989, that left Debbie, Kim the was second eldest of and Joni ,who the second eldest of the group, who were famed for hits such as “We are Family,” “Lost in Music” and “He’s the greatest dancer.”

I caught up with Kim and Debbie in August 2017 to talk about their loss.

The interview became a cosy conversation. Were the sisters ready to share this part of themselves with the world? How did such an iconic group still capture the essence of who Sister Sledge had been for over 30 years? (Their other sister Kathy who Page 8 | estheraustinglobal.com

I've been interviewed about Joni’s death and I thank you for asking these questions because they're deeper and more personal and they're more real. I miss her so much and I have my moments because Joni and I we didn't they wanted to honor, had branched out on a solo career in 1989.) How did they cope when they stood in front of their fans and had to hold it together?

Both sisters admitted this was the first time they felt ready to be interviewed.

As Kim stated “We feel that the best interview and type of communication is to be real because it’s needed today.

We’ve now lost our sister and there’s just no time not to be real. We need to adjust and take life to the fullest.”

Debbie spoke measured yet calmly about her experience. Taking her time to meander through her thoughts she explained “For me it was a place of pain where you’re missing someone very precious and important.” Debbie described how close she and Joni had been and spoke of the richness Joni had brought into her life and how that had kept her going, describing Joni as an articulate, intelligent, talented character who had enriched

Debbie described how close she and Joni had been and spoke of the richness Joni had brought into her life and how that had kept her going, describing Joni as an articulate, intelligent, talented character who had enriched everyone’s life and as much as she felt the loss she also knew she had gained much.

believe in sleeping. We believed that if you were in a city, country or a town you could always sleep when you got home. So we would find all of themost most-vanguard things to kinds ofthe do, places to go, places to shop, like little Tea rooms or Spa’s. I have moments now where I'll see something that reminds me of her and things she’d like to do and I miss her even more.' “ Kim continued “I have not come to total grips with the fact that she's gone because if I think about it too long it's surreal. Yet life goes on and as Debbie said, there’s such a rich legacy and portion of who Joni is and was. It’s in everything we do because we were so interwoven. So her legacy continues in us, through us and around us.”

There was a pregnant pause as we digested the significance of Joni’s s' influence and impact on her sister’s lives and it was further emerging the incredible influence she had on the lives of everyone around her, her family, friends and fans. I then gently steered the conversation to asking what it felt like to perform without Joni. Curious to understand what adjustments they had made and what it felt like as a duo and not a trio.

Curious to understand the emotions they went through every time they performed and the “possible” emptiness emptyness Joni’s position had left and how did they fill that gap and manage any emotions that could possibly surface!

Debbie then shared how much Joni enjoyed being on stage and how her mainjoy joy much she came alive. Yet hermain was her son Thaddeus, who now performeds with the band which made Debbie feel as if a part of Joni was still with them. ”We don’t want Joni’s music to be forgotten. We want her legacy to continue. One of the ways we do this is through our music and performance. It's rich and heavy when we perform and I am amazed because of our faith. There’s a verse that says

“WE DON’T WANT JONI’S MUSIC TO BE FORGOTTEN. WE WANT HER LEGACY TO CONTINUE. ONE OF THE WAYS WE DO THIS IS THROUGH OUR MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE. IT'S RICH AND HEAVY WHEN WE PERFORM AND I AM AMAZED BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH. THERE’S A VERSE THAT SAYS “THERE IS A PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING.”

“there is a peace that passes all understanding.” I never really understood this until Joni’s passing as there was the initial shocking pain but we had to do a concert three days after her death and it was almost like two great big arms were around us.”

At this point in the interview I felt the need to ask the sisters how they were feeling. They had chosen to share a really big part of themselves and their process with grief with me, so that I could share it with the world and I felt humbled. Yet I was still mindful that because they had all been so close, was this interview bringing up anything in them which made them there want to stop the interview. Was their any discomfort or were they experiencing this as a cathartic process of release and healing?

There was a pause and then Kim responded. “Well when you stop and really think about and it, it’s rich and heavy at the same time and I can honestly say that I am amazed

because of our faith and how it has helped us through this period in our lives. There’s a verse that says, “there is a peace that passes all understanding.” I never really understood all of that until Joni’s passing. I'm amazed at how things happened because it was almost as if God took the grip of our pain. I mean there was the initial shocking pain but to be lifted above it with a peace and a hope that God has given us and I’ll speak for myself, I'm seeing and experiencing the reality of the peace that passes all understanding and I also am experiencing the joy of the hope that I have knowing that Joni is in the arms of our Lord, she’s with my mom, she’s with my grandma. I know she is like cheering us on. There’s a Verse that says “there's a great crowd of witnesses that are cheering you on” and I know she's creating music, pushing us, like she was pushing us when she was here in the natural. But spiritually I have such a peace with that because I also know that I will see Page 9 | estheraustinglobal.com

Feature

Feature

was little and this is really silly, but she used to hate when we spoke about e who would this but she was the type, watch something on television and she would be sitting there weeping and when we’d ask her what she was crying about she’d sniffle? “Did you see what happened?” and we’d say but Joni it was a television show, but that was where her heart was.”

Debbie then pipped up that “she was also very, very strong in her convictions. She wasn’t a pushover. If she felt strongly about something she would fight for that but it wasn't like she would want to dictate to someone else it was more that she fought very

two women, because I could feel what they were talking about quite profoundly which made their belief in so palpable. their faith was so palpable.

her again, through my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a believer in him and the word of God and what it says.

I can rely on it and that truth it’s a supernatural miracle because I'm telling you I don't know how in the world we were to do a concert three days after her passing.”

I could hear the search in Debbie’s soul and I felt a strong yet gentle assurance as she spoke “to talk about it, to take this time and to reflect on how we're actually feeling now. It feel that pain that comes up, it lumps up in my chest but it's not ahorrible horriblepain, pain it's just the pain of missing, the absence of someone you love so much but along with that I agree with Kim that we have the peace, we have such a peace that really, really comforts at the same time. We know where she is, we know who she is and we're going to join her. All of us have to go sometime but we know where we're going and we know that we will see her again.” The power of their faith resonated so strong now that even though I could feel their loss, I was also feeling their strength and for me their incredibly therewas wassomething something incredibly wonderful almost magical about these Page 10 | estheraustinglobal.com

We were rapidly running out of time and being drawn into the energy of broughtupup many more hope bought soso much more questions for me, but I had to try to be more selective. A question that came to mind was if they could choose a song that captured Joni’s spirit what would that be. For Debbie it was the track “Easier to Love” because it told Joni’s story, and a song they dedicated to her at their live show. It was a song Joni had actually lead, she had been lead vocalist on it. “Whenever we do that song we can hear her voice singing and it was her message, that it was easier to love.”

Kim’s song was Amazing Grace because the verse “when we've been there 10,000 years, shining like the sun, we've no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun” because it gave her hope as she looked forward to seeing Joni again wherethey they would sing and againwhere would sing and worship together. “So, I'm thinking of when we see ‘J’, we’ll be singing.

You know it's like we’re just going to be singing and worshipping and jumping and shouting and dancing and you know just having a blast 10,000 years from now because this

hard and very convincingly I might say. She could have been an attorney.”

By the end of the interview I felt I much had known Joni personally ,asasmuch of her character very much resonated with me and how I operated. I was able to capture and feel her essence and spirit through her sisters, and it was clearly obvious how who she was, that energy and passion for life and for people translated into her music.

The silence that now ensued as the final curtains were drawn on this interview about a legendary and iconic woman gave us all time to

exhale. The sisters has shared their innermost feelings and I am sure would shed more tears as their healing continued, yet they had such a beautiful, strong expression of HOPE. This made their signature track “We are Family” so much more poignant as everything about Joni was about family, friends, fans and love, love and more love. Her legacy would continue as her sisters continued to share their love and divinely inspired music, hopefully for many more years to come, touching hearts and souls by always encouraging us to become the greatest dancer, .to to get lost in music and to always remember that we are all family.

is the faith and the hope and the truth that we and that werest restin.' in.” have and It was now time to conclude the interview but I really wanted them to expand even further on what they meant when they kept talking about “the hope.” They were very clear about how much their faith meant to them and I wanted to get into the very depth of what their hope was to them.

Debbie: Oh, our Jesus Christ is our hope. I mean that is the center of our being and our faith and Joni was in the center of that. She had that God like in her, she had that hope and she lived with such a passion that she really showed us how it was done because she was unstoppable no matter what. But no matter what Joni went through she would pick herself up and push through and stand and step out and she didn't just step out with, with fight in her, she stepped out as a love warrior because she knew that, that was the key. You can't just have fight in you, you got to have love in you you as that’s the only thing that’s going to win and she taught us that.”

Kim agreed with Debbie adding “but she was also an encouragement warrior too. She just encouraged and she genuinely loved people. Joni didn't judge anybody she just loved.

She had serious passion and compassion, I mean even when she

JONI WAS AN EXCELLENT COMPOSER AND LYRICIST, WHO WROTE, PRODUCED AND PERFORMED LEAD VOCALS FOR MANY OF SISTER SLEDGE SONGS I.E LOST IN MUSIC, REACH YOUR PEAK, EASIER TO LOVE, AND I'M A GOOD GIRL. Page 11 | estheraustinglobal.com

Health and Well-Being

60

Health and Well-Being

And Thriving

By Ken Barrett

I

turned 60 years old on November 12th and had the pleasure of celebrating with a group of friends on the sunny island of Barbados. It was a beautiful interlude from my normal hum-drum day-to-day life in the UK Uk and renewed my vigour to make travel, sun and freedom a permanent lifestyle.

As with any birthday ending in a zero, it got me assessing my life in general and contemplating the meaning of life entering my 7th decade. After a while I came to the conclusion that chronological age is unimportant. It’s your biological age that governs the quality of your life. I also came to the conclusion that there’s no point in regretting things that have happened in the past because they can’t be changed, all you can do is learn from past experiences. It’s not worth worrying about the future because it hasn’t happened yet and the worst may never happen. Whereas the present is all we have, be present to what is happening at this moment, because at any given moment there are infinite possibilities.

YS IES BEER BELLIES

I

t seems to be the curse of the middle aged. From what I observed, almost everyone of my peers ,male were maleororfemale female are carrying extra baggage around the midriff area (sorry guys). I on the other hand although not without some excess can still boast a six pack (ish).

It’s not down to doing sit up’s either, in fact I hardly ever do any, I think the key can be found in the definition of a beer or pot belly: What causes a beer belly?

It's not necessarily beer but too many calories that can turn your trim waistline into a belly that protrudes over your trousers. Any kind of calories - whether from alcohol, sugary drinks or oversized portions of

food - can increase belly fat.

However, alcohol does seem to have a particular association with fat in the midsection.

In general, alcohol intake is associated with bigger waists, because when you drink alcohol, the liver burns alcohol instead of fat.

Too many calories and not enough food eh?

Excessive abdominal fat can increase diabetes,heart heart risks of “the big 3” :diabetes, disease and cancer. All preventable lifestyle diseases by many accounts.

At my hotel I listened to a presentation by the Barbadian Prostate Cancer Charity who emphasised the importance of being

checked to enable early detection, which I think is essential advice. But, my view is not enough emphasis is given to the prevention. If I wanted to reduce my risk of contracting “the big 3” I would look at companies that have had numerous successes using natural, holistic, whole food protocols.

“Excessive abdominal fat can increase risks of “the big 3” diabetes, heart disease and cancer. All preventable lifestyle diseases by many accounts”.

https://www.webmd.boots.com/diet/guide/beer-bellies-belly-fat Page 14 | estheraustinglobal.com

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Health and Well-Being

YOU’RE NEVER 60!

Astonishment and disbelief are some of the milder reactions I get when I tell people my age, I’m almost embarrassed to say my real age because I don’t want to spend the next half hour picking them up off the floor and then explaining to them and the friends they have called over to guess my age and then having to tell them my “secret.”

There is no secret! It is not genetic, I don’t do anything that I consider extraordinary but, I must be doing something right judging by other people’s reactions. I just see the same person looking back at me in the mirror every morning but to the world outside time appears to be moving faster and taking it’s toll. I feel very blessed and am very grateful that I feel as youthful and energetic as I did in my 30s, I take no medications whatsoever, have no headaches or any other aches for that matter and all systems are go!

Ok, here is a secret, but beware it’s a big anti climax. Here goes….drum roll….Be mindful of the following things and implement them on a consistent and regular basis:

#1

You are what you eat Remember that every single cell in your body is derived from what you Nutrition put in your mouth.Nutrition is is therefore paramount to your good health and well-being. The challenge we face right now is that in many cases the food we eat is depleted in essential nutrients because of the modern methods of growing, harvesting and distribution of our foods. In addition our fruit and vegetables are laden with toxic pesticides and herbicides or have been genetically modified. Our livestock are often fed these same vegetables and loaded with antibiotics or other drugs to combat diseases caused by the unsanitary and inhumane living conditions.

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Avoid where possible processed, convenience or fast foods which are loaded with high levels of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, additives and preservatives which are all toxic to the body.

Be mindful what you drink. Avoid tap water, pop, soda, energy drinks, alcohol (sorry).Drink mineral water (avoid plastic bottles) use a carbon filter at the very least.

Be mindful of food preparation.

Never use a microwave oven – food has zero nutritional value after being zapped in a microwave. Cooking with heat also depletes nutrients, eat as much raw fruit and veg as you can stand (I aim for 30% - 50% per meal).

Try lightly steaming your food (my steamer is my best friend it’s great for preparing and reheating food and doesn't take long, 5 – 10 minutes).

By the way I heard that many fruits are harvested green or young, then stored in vast warehouses until required and then force ripened by chemicals or irradiation before being shipped to stores for consumption!!!

(Excessive use of exclamation marks I know but WTF!!!)

#2

Let food be your medicine and your medicine your food This is an ancient concept said by Hippocrates of Cos (460? - 377?

B.C.) so it’s old news! Hippocrates is considered the father of modern medicine and recognised that The Body is A Self Healer given the right conditions. We all accept that if we cut a finger our body begins to repair the injury immediately with usually no trace of any problems a few days later. Is it possible that this mind bogglingly complex bodily response can be extended to more serious problems like heart disease, diabetes or cancer? You bet!

Trying to sum up what the right conditions are is also complex, so I’ll leave the detailed explanation to the

experts. As a laymen layman with no medical qualifications, my understanding is that we need to consume the full spectrum of 22 Amino acids in order to create the enzymes, proteins, and immune cells to enable the body to achieve complete wellness. As I understand it the Amino acids are used by the Thymus gland to create all combinations of 2222 (that’s 3.414 x 1029 or 341,400,000,000,000,000,000,000,00 0,000) different combinations of enzymes, immune cells and hormones to digest food, fight disease and repair our bodies.

So the human body is fully equipped with the innate, miraculous ability to enable us to thrive in whatever the outside world can throw at us. We just need to give ourselves half a chance by consuming as complete a diet as we can. It’s not easy in today’s society where we are often forced to grab and go with our food. I personally endeavour to cook from scratch and use good quality whole food supplements to ensure that I get my full complement every day.

Health and Well-Being

your GP then start slowly. You should aim for an activity that raises your heart rate for ½ hour but still able to hold a conversation.

#4

Quality sleep and relaxation or meditation.

Aim for at least 7 hours sleep a night.

Avoid watching TV or using a computer or smart phone for at least 1 hour before going to bed.As often as you can get out in nature get away from the city. If you can’t do that find a local park or open space.

Find ways to manage stress. Become mindful of your stressors and stress levels. Find ways to take a break for an hour a day if you can. Cultivate some “Me Time”.

Learn to meditate or at least practice deep breathing for 10 – 15 minutes every day.

That’s all I have ever done since the age of about 18.

I wholeheartedly recommend this company. https://kennethbarrett.neolifeshop.com/

#3

HOW TO PLAN FOR A HEALTHY PLANT-BASED HOLIDAY SEASON WITH SISTAHINTHERAW

Let food beExercise your medicine Regular and your medicine your food That dreaded word exercise! Change the word to movement if you find that more palatable, but you cannot escape the fact that one of the necessary conditions required for the body to self heal is that you move your body on a regular basis. Some body systems like the Lymphatic system rely on movement to function correctly.

I try to do some kind of movement for at least ½ hour every day. Typically on alternate days I run for ½ hour in the morning. Every day I’ll do QiGong, Thai Chi or some Yoga or floor exercises.Find something that you enjoy and that invigorates you. If you are starting from scratch consult

I

t's that end-of-year time again when you might start looking forward to sharing all sorts of social gatherings with your family, friends and colleagues. It's a time when sharing meals or special food can be at its most intense.

Supplements can be obtained here If you need any further information email: myoptimalhealthuk@gmail.com

But, are you one of those who gain 5 pounds just thinking about that holiday pumpkin pie? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Did you know you thatthat you CAN enjoy the holidays without: - Feeling guilty that you have to eat what’s put before you because it’s polite? Ÿ Packing on 15-20 additional pounds of body mass from over eating? Ÿ Fuelling inflammation, illness and disease from eating nutritionally depleted food? Ÿ Sacrificing your health, taste buds and fun?

I used to have a tough time getting through the holiday season too.

Although I tried, I was always tired and ended up feeling bloated after indulging at holiday dinners or a work party and let’s not even mention the weight gain it promoted. It really put a damper on

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what should have been a time for me to celebrate and have fun. No way, not this year!

Now after many years of practicing healthy eating, I believe that I've come to some understanding about how to make the holiday season easier to enjoy and still stay healthy and energised.

I like to a plan ahead, which allows me time to aim for what I want and move into the year ahead with a sense of accomplishment. In order to get you started, I’ve created a free gift for you.

“HOLIDAY FOOD CAN FUEL YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, AND YOUR FAMILY TO CREATE ENERGY, HEALTHY SUSTAINABILITY, AND PUREBLISSED-OUTDELICIOUS FOOD!” Page 18 | estheraustinglobal.com

“There are no hard and fast rules about how to use it either! you’ll be able to use the guide as a natural meal planner and or as a reset tool to get you back on track at the end of the season”.

I love receiving gifts don't you? I want you to enjoy the new Holiday Survival Guide I've created just for you. It's a free guide that’s designed with you in mind, especially to support your desire to remain on track with your healthy raw food and lifestyle goals during the end of year season.

This free lifestyle plan, comes with a guide which includes my survival tips, recipes, a check list, a shopping list and a food and self love journal.

There are no hard and fast rules about how to use it either! You’ll be able to use the guide as a natural meal planner and or as a reset tool to get you back on track at the end of the season. If you need more mind-body tools to hit the mark, check out the other step-by-step resources available on the website, from a one day juice fast (great for New Years day) or one day cleanse, to Love Your Body Clean Eating, Gut Health or the soon to arrive 14 day Raw Food Lifestyle.

How To Get Your Free Holiday Survival Gift The Holiday Survival Guide with

Sistahintheraw is free and available for you to download from now until mid-January 2018. All you need to do is download it from the website using this link: https://www.sistahintheraw.com/ raw-soul-foodblog/2017/11/4/how-to-survivethe-holidays, or just go straight to the Events page on Sistahintheraw’s at: Sistahintheraw.com to find it.

If you have any questions, why not email me at: connect@sistahintheraw.com, or you could always book at free 30 minute strategy session with me to explore your next wellbeing options.

Sistahintheraw is a Certified Raw Food Teacher, Hippocrates Health Educator, Spiritual Counsellor, Meditation Teacher and an Ordained Interfaith Minister. She is the founder and CEO of Raw Soul Food, a holistic health and wellness lifestyle company. ©Anita McKenzie aka Sistahintheraw Page 19 | estheraustinglobal.com

In

Inspiration

There is a passion that lies within my heart for my family which is the same for all humanity and that is to love without dissimulation and fight for rights and freedom, help to provide shelter, education and a daily meal for others just as my immediate family if possible. I want to advocate for women’s rights and equal opportunity using my writing and paintings as a tool, empowering youths to believe in themselves and not to settle for mediocrity.

"Blind Vision Possible Dreams" will be the title of my first book that I’m currently writing. It depicts an eagle surrendering to a butterfly soaring away with the eagle in the sunset.

This shows strength in fragility, abilities without limitations, taking a hold of fears and conquering them. I am that butterfly that has gone through the metamorphosis stages of growth and development from creeping and walking now learning how to fly.

When I sit down to paint, with the images that I have painted so far, each piece brings a different feeling depending on the time, place and what the painting is about. Whilst some paintings would normally require sketching first on canvas to give a sense of direction, others come naturally with the hand waving brush and paints like a wand to create magic. However, one thing that doesn’t change is my zeal factor.

The next piece that was selected is called “Hannah and Jeremiah” The doctors gave up on my wife

having children but I told her that we would and that she should stop doubting and believe that all things are possible. Six years into our marriage Hannah and Jeremiah came.

The painting of them represent a second birth where life emerges from a barren place.

Then there is the painting “Nostalgia” which is a self portrait I did while serving in the British Army in Iraq in 2006. The journey of remembrance floods the senses and I could almost smell the pelagic scent of Caribbean waters and the taste the freshness of fruits from a fertile land. I heard voices of loved ones from a strange land and missed the the place my heart was, a place I called home.

So before I paint any of my pictures the thought process is very profound, it takes me to another place where I see and imagine things, then communicate with brushes, canvas and paints to bring imagination to life.

ART WITH SOUL

By Andre Parchment A R T I S T Page 22 | estheraustinglobal.com

I

was born in Jamaica by the beaches of White House in the Parish of Westmoreland. I studied Art and Graphics at St. Elizabeth Technical High School in Jamaica, English and Mathematics at Darlington College located in Catterick Garrison where I was trained as a British Soldier. The rest of my education comes from reading and learning from other people with substance. I am married with two lovely children aged three and five and my dream is to become a professional song writer, author and the next influential “artist/painter."

I started painting in art class in secondary school in Jamaica. The classroom was filled with young creatives who were making money while they were still learning.

Financially I was struggling to pay for my next bus fare, so to survive through school I had to learn art not only for the love of it but also through necessity. Unsurprisingly however, it did not take a long while before my true passion for art, the love of painting manifested. This has since over shadowed the element of necessity and hence my hesitation in selling my pieces, so each time one of my paintings are sold I feel as if the owners take away a piece of me.

Three of my paintings that were selected as favourites by Esther when I showed her my work were the following so I will explain what they mean to me and their story.

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There passion that within my WhenisI amet Esther oflies TurningPoint heart for my family which is she the same Magazine she told me that felt I for that is to love hadalla humanity beautiful and humble spirit and without dissimulation fight for asked me what kept and me focussed, rights and freedom, help to provide humble and passionate about what shelter, education and a daily for you do? Well, life to me is ameal lesson others just as my immediate family learning from present and past if possible.

I want to advocate for mishaps, losing my business, car women’s rights and equal opportunity where I almost ended up sleeping using my writing and paintings as a on the streets, but through tool, empowering youths to believe in adversaries came opportunities, themselves and not to settle for that was my blind vision and I mediocrity. couldn't see that I was being shaped to down be better and with stronger When I sit to paint, the person at the time. images that I have painted so far, each piece brings a different feeling depending on the time, place and what the painting is about. Whilst Whilepaintings I was onwould the frontline in Iraq some normally British and American soldiers require sketching first on canvaswere to losing limps of and lives, I made give a sense direction, others acome naturally with thethat hand brush promise to God if waving he brought and paintssafe like to a wand to create me back England I would magic.

However,but onelearn thingto that never complain humble doesn’t change is my zealKeeping factor. myself and be grateful. such promise means allowing God So before I paint ofthat my pictures to be at the helmany and bears the thought process is very profound, not only the fruit of humbleness but it takes me to passionate. another place where I focused and see and imagine things, then communicate with brushes, canvas and paints to bring imagination to life.

My inspiration andinjoy I started painting artcomes class from the place inschool my dreams whereThe I see secondary in Jamaica. art and hearwas new songs which I classroom filled with young creatives who were money write and paint.

So making my inspiration while they were still learning. comes from a higher power and Financially I was struggling people with ambition and to pay for my next bus fare, so to survive aspirations who are working through school I had to honestly towards their learn art not only for the love of it but alsoI through accomplishments.

Ironically, am necessity.

Unsurprisingly however, also inspired by my failures for theyit didcomponents not take a long before my are for while my future true passion for art, the love of success. My joy and happiness painting manifested.

This has since comes from within me, so whatever over shadowed the element of I've lost externally or whatever is necessity and hence my hesitation in said to dampen my spirit simply selling my pieces, so each time one of can't take that joy away. my paintings are sold I feel as if the owners take away a piece of me.

Three of my paintings that were selected as favourites by Esther when I showed her my work were the following so I will explain what they Page 24 | estheraustinglobal.com

mean to me and their story.

"Blind Vision Possible Dreams" will be the title of my first book that I’m currently writing. It depicts an eagle surrendering to a My intent for my paintings to bring butterfly soaring away with the into the lives of others is that I eagle in the sunset. This shows want to bring inspiration to others strength in fragility, abilities through paintingstaking and Iaalso withoutmy limitations, hold want it to be mind provoking, of fears and conquering them. I evoking and has imagination. am thatthoughts butterfly that gone through the metamorphosis stages The bedrock of development being a family man of growth and from and havingand a successful family life creeping walking now for me is this. learning how toFamily fly. for me is priority, a real man first learns to take home Thecare next of piece thatand washis selected responsibilities.

I believe the mould is called “Hannah and Jeremiah” needs to be broken The doctors gave upwhere on mychildren, wife having children but I told her that especially young men, grow up we would and that she should without a male figure and the stop doubting andtobelieve all mother struggles raise athat man. things are possible. years into The foundation to a Six successful our marriage Hannah and family life is reciprocity, freedom Jeremiah and love. came. The painting of them represent a second birth where life emerges from a barren place.

If you are at the cross-roads of your life atthere this moment and are feeling Then is the painting “Nostalgia” lost and stagnant this is what I which is a self portrait I did while would like to share with you.

First serving in the British Army in Iraq love yourself and try to discover 2006. The journey of remembrance what isthe your purpose.

Secondly floods senses and I could almost find your passion, thirdly find a smell the pelagic scent of Caribbean conducive environment that will of waters and the taste the freshness fruits fromtoa grow fertileand land.develop I heard help you voices loved ones from a strange aroundoflike minded people with the land and missed place where experience and the know-how who my can heart was, a place I called home. give a sense of direction.

believe mould “I“I believe thethe mould needs be broken broken where needs to to be children, especially young men, where children, grow up without a male especially young men, gure and theupmother to grow withoutstruggles a raise a man”. male figure and the mother struggles to Andre Parchment raise a man”.

Artist Instagram: @andreparchment

Inspiration

Turning Point A Creative Calling

W

hatever December means for you, we’ve reached another turning point in our year, another opportunity to reflect on what we want to create in our lives for 2018.

Along our way through life we often face critical turning points where we are called to choose how and where our pathway through life is going to proceed. The ancient Greek doctors, Hippocrates and Galen used the word krisis to denote a turning point in a disease – the decisive moment when things could either improve or decline.

Often a turning point does not present as a choice but as what appears to be an external circumstance – we are made redundant, our partner walks out or a hefty bill drains our bank balance. These moments, when we feel most vulnerable, call us to dig deep and find the inner resources to make new choices for ourselves.

Maybe our life has been going along a certain path, with a certain narrative and sense of self. As humans we feel safer when we have clear identities – we take on the roles of parent, sibling, spouse, leader, worker. We may find in these a stabilising sense of self, but in truth these identities are always changing – retirement may dismantle our sense of self as a working person. We may also become awarethat our identities are no longer serving our growth - we realise that through our pride in being a caring person we are have surrounded ourselves with people who use us as a crutch, rather than empowering themselves.

So a turning point is a calling to remember we are more than our identity tags – that the creative spirit or life force within us flows through and beyond our roles. It is a calling to tap into that creativity and empower ourselves to make new choices, to go beyond our previous sense of who we are and have been in lives.

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moment when life was calling me to be something more than what I have been so far. Listen here Often in these key moments there is a very tender vulnerability – we find ourselves brought to our knees, feeling that we cannot go on as we have been. As Brene Brown identifies, vulnerability is the essential willingnessto be the one to say I love you first, to be willing to take risks or to reach out and ask for help. These moments often feel messy, raw and exposing – but if we want to experience the joys of deeper connection and expression in life, we need to be willing to go there.

So this song Turning Point came out in a raw, vulnerable moment when I felt a creative calling within me saying something needs to change.

It is one of the most honestly human and simple pieces of music I have created. It does not come with embellishments, promises of enlightenment or turbo-charged motivational yadda-yadda – it is a simple, heartfelt expression of a

https://soundcloud.com/katie-rose-window/turning-point

What will you create with your turning point this Midwinter?

Katie Rose – singer, musician, facilitator, writer – www.therosewindow.org.

So this song Turning Point came out in a raw, vulnerable moment when I felt a creative calling within me saying something needs to change.

It is one of the most honestly human and simple pieces of music I have created. It does not come with embellishments, promises of enlightenment or turbo-charged motivational yadda-yadda – it is a simple, heartfelt expression of a moment when life was calling me to be something more than what I have been so far. Listen here to Link Below left-hand side What will you create with your turning point this Midwinter?

Katie Rose – singer, musician, facilitator, writer – www.therosewindow.org Page 27 | estheraustinglobal.com

BRAND NEW SHOW ON

SUPREME RADIO FROM 1ST JANUARY 2018 ESTHER AUSTIN GLOBAL'S SHAKE DOWN Transforming, Empowering and Inspiring Lives

SUPREME FM LIVE Join me DJ Esther on Supreme radio Every Monday 10am - 1pm GMT Great Music, Great Interviews, Real Talk, Authentic discussion and lots of fun SUPREME FM LIVE

Call: 07534 508919

W

Humour

Humour

ell, Well, Well ladies and gentlemenz.

Another year has almost whizzed by.

Recently, someone said to me, “so what you doing for Christmas?” I remember pausing, looking at them through my one good eye wondering what thehot sauce they were talking about. Christmas?Already? – we’d not long left the sultry shores of 2016 or maybe that’s what the fuzziness in my head has been all about this year – amnesia! Too much going on in my world to notice anything pivotal like Christmas and Birthdays.

AUNT GERTRUDE’S CORNER Iz it a turkey or is it a Plane?

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Now I’m not a SCROOGE or Party Pooper or anything like that, but I’m not really into Christmas. There is the baby Jesus story but I’ve since grown up, so that doesn’t quite work for me, no disrespeck here. For me things have to mean something that I understand other than getting into debt and stressing about whether my 80 year old Auntie May would like a set of black and white bloomers for the festive period or a butterfly tattoo.

Then there’s the stress of battling with the masses, who dutifully cram into department stores, shoving and jostling, looking for bargains and trying to rack their brains what to spend their good hard earned, overtime, 64 hour week hard earned money on for Uncle Bob. Buy him a bottle of red, plonk him in front of the tv with a tray and his Christmas dinner and that should do the trick. I certainly am not the type to be trying to manoeuvre myself through throngs of people to get anything, not even this years turkey, without getting all ignorant and vex because some person has stepped on my big toe for the hundredth time. I may do spiritual work and conduct healing sessions with people and try to practice this whole ‘love and light’ thing but at times like these I know I would get all “ghetto” and ignorant and even possibly a little violent and I don’t smoke anything to help me cope or see “peace” in these types of situations, so I’d rather stay away from all that drama of Christmas shopping etc, etc, etc

Hmmmm and that brings me onto the festive prize, the good old-dry-let’schoke-together turkey. Iz them things really turkeys that’s we’re consuming? Because over the years they seem to be getting bigger and drier (I’m sure I saw one with three eyes last year…hmmm jokes) and from documentaries that I’ve watched…conspiracy theories or not….these birds are mass produced, not sure if they start off in a cell, an incubator, a pod, a hutch, a kennel or in a lab to be honest but it seems the bigger the turkey the more it’s pumped with lots of “stuff” and that stuff ladies and gentlemanz is certainly not stuffing. Gone are the days when nature had a say in how life is supposed to be.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom is it? I may sound like a party pooper, but I will still be going dancing because as you may or may not know I just love to dance because it keeps all my rounded bits.. well nice and rounded and not falling or flopping all over the place. Hypocrite I hear some of you say, you can go dancing at a festive event but you don’t celebrate it? Well me lovelies to some Christmas is about Baby Jesus, to others it’s about the fat man in red squeezing himself down your

spandex chimney (well it’s got to be spandex or r an elastic chimney or else that story is a lie!) with his reindeers in tow, to others it’s about food and family and to others it’s a time to gatecrash events to fill up on free food and booze and an excuse to keep warm, to party and to walk home with a doggy bag.

Whatever this season means to you ladies and gents, just enjoy it and try to keep enjoying it. So many people I know have died this year both young and old, fit and unfit. So many more people I’ve noticed are living on the streets. We just don’t know when our calling card will be delivered to us, but what we can do is to enjoy life as much as we can. The graveyard is full of peoples dreams and desires so don’t just start and stop the festivities of laughter, playfulness, anticipation and excitement around Christmas, try to keep it going all year round. Leave your shoulda, woulda, coulda’s at home and face the New Year with a determination to live different, live better. You may not wake up everyday with a smile on your face, as that is life, yet aim to find some fulfilment and joy in between times.

Wishing you all a most prosperous and fun-filled rest of your life Love and PeACE Aunt Gertrude Page 31 | estheraustinglobal.com

Community

Community

When I was considering leaving the Civil Service I talked through the prospect with a few of my senior managers who, although did not want to lose me, all advised me to follow my dream as they knew how committed I was to helping young people unlock their potential.

Those who know me know 2 of my main passions have always been football and empowering young people to reach their full potential! I have always thought deep about the issues in society and mainly in my community surrounding young people. I believe that young people are a product of their environment and we all have a very important role in supporting them to be the best they can be and it is my mission to inspire, influence and motivate them to become and grow into respectful, respected and successful individuals.

Some of the major issues that I see young people face in terms of violence, getting into gangs, and other anti-sociable behaviour are, in my opinion, linked to lack of guidance and mentoring in what is a more self-conscience, materialistic and peer manipulative world for

LIONEL BEST, INSPIRATIONAL LIFE COACH – SUPPORTING YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY Page 32 | estheraustinglobal.com

today’s young people. Research shows that for those young people engaging in anti-sociable behaviour, they spend too much unsupervised time with the wrong peers. Young people need to be involved in more constructive activities and around positive people including inspirational role models developing key personal and social skills so they become good influential role models amongst their own peer groups.

I also see the fear of other young people not caught up in gang violence or crime and know it is hard for them to walk the streets without fear. Just being young automatically makes young people vulnerable with the mentality of how so many of our young people in the community think and are growing a total disregard for human life and lack of respect for others. There are too many complicated dynamics that contribute to the massive problems we have in our community and I believe that we should all find it within ourselves to do our small little bit to help.

I believe that the community need to help each other and as a community service provider who delivers social

M

y name is Lionel Best, Inspirational Life Coach and founder of BIG (Besty's Inspirational Guidance). I left a very successful Civil Service career of 23 years and a high profile job back in 2010 as I wanted to follow my own dream and do more for young people building on what I was already doing which was mentoring and guiding them through sports.

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Community

“I am about achieving real outcomes and results that matters to the community”. enterprise programs and projects, it is so fulfilling to do my bit and make a difference, using my expertise, life experiences and profound motivational skills to empower todays’ young people to develop and want to achieve, through the many services I deliver under my three business work strands, i.e educational and motivational program, my community services and my employability skills schemes. These programs support the development of key basic essential skills and provide tools needed to achieve providing the

foundation to succeed. For example, helping young people to believe in themselves, developing high selfesteem, being confident, embracing development becoming more resilient to deal with all those challenges that life throws at them and coming up with their own strategies to overcome their own problems empowering them to be proud of, and feel good about themselves.

Testimonials and feedback from parents, teachers and young people I have worked with have been positive because I am about achieving real outcomes and results that matters to the community. I have had to be fully committed and determined to get through my journey successfully working long hours and being jack of all trades which has helped me deliver my messages to young people

as I am not only talking the talk but also walking the walk with my own struggles and challenges.

Community

“Testimonials and feedback from parents, teachers and young people I have worked with have been positive because I am about achieving real outcomes and results that matters to the community”.

During my 6 years journey, I have had to make many financial related sacrifices including turning down working opportunities to enable me to manage my workload and investing 100th of thousands of pounds in of my hundreds and thousands of pounds money and time and living on a tight budget not getting the stable salary I was once used to when I was a civil servant. When I started my business back in 2011, I did not think it would take me this long to get it off the ground. My passion has been serving the community but I have had to learn along the way how to run a successful business and am still learning. BUT one thing for certain, if I had the opportunity to go back to 2010, even knowing how tough it has been to live but also knowing the huge difference I have made in so many young people’s lives, I would make the same decision again to leave the Page 34 | estheraustinglobal.com

Civil Service and support my community!

However, I do require certain resources to keep going with the main one which would not be a surprise being funding. I have worked hard to development my portfolio without a salary and with no resources and I now need support to sustain and grow BiG! I also need other businesses / organisations who share similar visions to partner up on some joint ventures; and those who believe in BiG’s mission and want to sponsor and/or invest in BiG or a project; young people interested in engaging in an apprenticeship scheme and committed to becoming part of the BiG workforce and/or those studying marketing courses needing or looking to enhance their experience and other students looking to enhance other

skills that will help BiG such as bid writing, social media and website management.

“I have worked hard to development my portfolio without a salary and with no resources and i now need support to sustain and grow big!”

CONTACT DETAILS Lionel Best, Inspirational Life Coach & Founder Email: lionel.best@sky.com, Mobile: 07908 950 630 WEBSITE www.bestysinspirationalguidance.co.uk Page 35 | estheraustinglobal.com

Fashion

Fashion

CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE SIGNATURE STYLE

By Esther Austin

I

love, love, love experimenting with the way I dress, its andand it'seasy an easy an innate thing for me to do. I have a very creative mind and love to play with how to wear a garment and what to wear it with that creates my own Unique Signature Style. To me style is something one learns to exude, it’s something that births itself from the inside, that is a symbol of an aspect of who you are. Style is about being playful with your character, shape and size. It’s about being expressive with who you are as an INDIVIDUAL, an expression of freedom, a SOUL thing or it can be expressed as oppression. Have you ever put on an outfit and your soul has literally exhaled? Because it feels good both on your skin and in your SOUL? Come on now some of you must get this?

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Fashion

Fashion

creative and we were always so well turned out. It was great because we always wore something different and in a way my mother created a rather unique style through my sisters and I. I believe my mother set a trend for me to explore and experience style the way I have. As a teenager I clearly remember just innately knowing how to turn a rather bland look into something funky, something that had edge to it. For instance, wearing a Style and fashion are two different things. Yves Saint Laurent once said: Fashions Fade, Style is eternal.

Fashion comes and goes. It’s something that trends and that has a certain lifespan. It’s a more generic experience of wearing clothing. However, style is something that is created, that you can mould and shape according to a bouquet of things such as mood, character, personality, events, experiences, drawing reference and inspiration from things which you then create and turn into something of your own. That is how I see and experience style, the creation of your own small adult masterpiece. Hence why I created a small rangerange called the FUNKY BUTTERFLY range.

Growing up my mother made all my clothes. She was a seamstress as many women from the Caribbean atwere. the time the life My learned mother was veryskills such as cooking, sewing etc. My mother was very Page 38 | estheraustinglobal.com

“Fashion comes and goes. It’s something that trends and that has a certain lifespan. It’s a more generic experience of wearing clothing”.

pair of dungarees, I’d wear one strap down and add my father’s cap. Often times, my parents perceived my look as untidy and I got a mouthful each time I dressed this way – but I now realise I was creating my own Unique Signature Style. As I’ve got older I’ve got even more outlandish or should I say “expressive” sometimes rocking up to events with two different colours in my clothing and wearing two different colour doctor marten boots to represent those colours.

I have recently designed a range for girls called FUNKY TOTS for children aged between 3 and 8 years.

Some of the range is drawn from a few of the outfits in the adult range, which look so cute. You can see some of those styles of my ever so cutey grand-daughter because she is such as free spirit and I my range embodies that energy. The range is all about play, play and freedom of expression.

However, what I love about my fashion business is the Personal Stylist and Image Consultancy practice which has gone from strength to strength advising and changing people’s lives by allowing them to create their own Unique Signature Style. You no longer need to follow the crowd or status quo. If you feel it’s time to create your own INDIVIDUAL look then book your complimentary 30 minute Consultation with Esther Austin at fashion@estheraustinglobal.com.

Time to set your dress-sense free.

“You can see some of those styles of my ever so cutey grand-daughter because she is such as free spirit and I my range embodies that energy. The range is all about play, play and freedom of expression”.

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Entertainment

R

ussell Dominic Peters is a Canadian comedian and actor of Indian descent.

Toronto native Russell Peters began doing open mics in 1989 at age 19 and has become one of the most popular international comedians in the world, recently named in Rolling Stone's 50 Best Stand Up Comics of All Time list; and setting records in iconic arenas, including Madison Square Garden, The O2 Arena and the Sydney Opera House.

Russell has been listed in Forbes Magazine's Highest-Grossing Comics list from 2009 until 2016, where he was No. 4 in the world. His most recent tour, the Almost Famous World Tour took him to over 120 cities and across 25 countries with more than 500,000 fans in attendance, with the eponymous special airing on Netflix in October 2016. Russell kicks-off his Deported World Tour in Australia on February 5, 2018, which will keep him on the road well into 2019.

RUSSELL PETERS Page 44 | estheraustinglobal.com

“Russell has been listed in Forbes Magazine's Highest-Grossing Comics list from 2009 until 2016, where he was No. 4 in the world”.

Russell is currently starring in The Indian Detective for CTV Canada and Netflix starring Anupam Kher, William Shatner, Christina Cole and Hamza Haq. The Indian Detective is a four-part, limited series comedydrama. The story follows Toronto cop Doug D’Mello (Russell Peters) as he becomes embroiled in a murder case while visiting his father, Stanley (Anupam Kher), in Mumbai. The investigation leads Doug to uncover a dangerous conspiracy while dealing with his own ambivalence towards a country where, despite his heritage, he is an outsider.

I managed to grab a few moments of a very busy Russell to get his take on life and his work.

What made you think you were funny enough to make people laugh to become a comedian?

I was 19 and was always joking around and didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. One day my cousin Andrew suggested, "Why don't you become a comedian?" So I decided to check it out. I started out on open mics at Yuk Yuks in Toronto.

I was terrible, but got a few laughs.

Those few laughs were enough for me. I was hooked.

What is it about comedy that you feel possibly brings people together?

You raw as as itit gets gets You are are as as open open and and raw especially especiallywhen whenyou you'make "makefun' fun"ofof other How do do you you prepare prepare other cultures. cultures. How yourself facean an yourselfto togo goon onstage, stage,and to face audience where you could possibly audience, where you could possibly be beridiculed, ridiculed, or or where where you you may may offend someone?

What youdo doto to offend someone. What isisitityou prepare yourself for any onslaught prepare yourself for any onslaught and and how how do do you you deal deal with with such such issues? issues?

First off, I don't come out there with the intention to 'offend'. It's all about intent. I'm talking about the world and the way I see it. That's what all comedians do. If someone is offended, it has nothing to do with me. I'm not responsible for how you process what I'm saying.

Entertainment You've been described as a "Conscious" comedian? How do you perceive this definition of yourself and what is the message to audiences that you feel you deliver or offer as a comedian?

I don't think of myself as 'conscious'. I may be more aware of cultures and the subtle differences between certain cultures, which is what people who come to see me are responding to.

What do you feel comedy does to take people's minds away from life's challenges - i.e Why do you feel its important to laugh whether at yourself or with others?

Comedy and laughter are cathartic and essential, especially with all that's going on in the world. Comedians are the truth tellers, and sometimes the jokes are dark, but we find the humour - even in the darkest situations. You've just got to laugh.

Can you share a famous quote that will inspire readers of TurningPoint?

I'm not a motivational or inspirational speaker kind of guy - in fact, I find those kinds of people a little suspicious to be honest.

However: “It's better to have a life of "oh wells" than "what if's”.

The Indian Detective for CTV Canada and Netflix Premieres on Netflix (US/Intl) Tuesday, December 19, 2017 For details of Russell Peters tour dates click here: http://www.russellpeters.com/WhatsNew/NOTORIOUS-TRAILER

“I was 19 and was always joking around and didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life”.

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Entertainment

CURTIS WALKER

Entertainment

“Curtis Walker is a British actor, writer and stand-up comedian who starred in BBC comedy shows such as Paramount City, CBBC Sitcom Kerching!”.

Curtis: Well, I likened it to any kind of relationship, whether it be a marriage or friendship. It was a massive fear. Mainly fear where I questioned where I could do this one on my own? Did I want to do it on my own? Regarding how the audience would react to me I always felt a lot of love from them audience and that has never been lost. Because a lot of love comes from them, there's a lot of inspiration and whereas maybe I should have gone into therapy and work out my issues, I was probably having at the time, I decided to take it all on stage and it became a very cathartic inspirational thing for me.

Esther: What was that like knowing that you’d been paired up with someone else for quite a while and now all eyes were on you? how did that feel like and were you afraid of how the audience would react to you?

C

urtis Walker is a British actor, writer and stand-up comedian who starred in BBC comedy shows such as Paramount City, CBBC Sitcom Kerching!, The Real McCoy and Blouse and Skirt. I caught up with Curtis this week to get his views on life and his personal turningpoints and also to find out a bit more about Comedy Link-Up coming to Catford Broadway Theatre on 2nd December 2017.

Esther: Even the rude bits that you say in your performances Curtis? (said tongue in check).

Curtis graciously gave me his time from what I sensed was a very hectic schedule and I thoroughly enjoyed our brief interlude.

Esther: Good Morning Curtis, well first and foremost Curtis, I always ask my guests in a nutshell, a coconut shell, or a peanut shell who is Curtis Walker?

Curtis: A peanut shell is smaller than a coconut shell, so you had your order wrong, but Curtis Walker is a comedian and entertainer and all round nice guy. (Laughter) Esther: An all round nice guy? hmm what does a nice guy mean Curtis?

From your perspective.

Curtis: Well whatever a nice guy means, there you go. You did say in a nutshell, didn’t you? (Laughter) Page 46 | estheraustinglobal.com

Esther: Great cop out. So Curtis, this interview is specifically for my magazine TurningPoint which is for people who have come to a crossroads in their life and they're thinking where do I go from here?

Where do I find the motivation and inspiration to make a change in my life? Therefore, can you tell us a time in your life where you had to make a decision of where you wanted to take your life?

Curtis: I think that throughout everybody’s life time there are many turning points not just one. The first massive one for me was when I was in a double act with Ishmael and everything was going fantastically

well. Everything I envisaged and dreamed of was happening and being made into reality and then my partnership broke up with Ishmael because of drug addiction. He had got addicted to drugs and there was a lot of drama and a lot of that kind of drug life was going on and I remember the first time I stepped on stage without him and that was an amazing turning point. The insecurities all of those things that I thought I had shaken off as part of a double act became a reality for me again and that for me was a massive turning point to carry on and become a stand up rather than being part of a double act was massive to me.

Curtis: Even rude bits? They are part of life and in life there are rude bits, shocking bits, tragic bits. Stand up, must be a mirror of the life of the performer. If your life is great and you do gags that's fine, that’s a lovely life. Some people like to talk a bit more about the reality in the world but each man to their own.

“I remember doing a lot of different things when I was younger, a lot of different pieces of work”. and I enjoyed a lot of poetry. I think that's where it turned for me, when I started doing poetry and writing poetry and my English teacher at the time, Mr. Tom Wilson entered some of my poems into a competition in London and I won. I think it was South London then I had to go and represent against the whole of London and I did really well and had to perform the poem, which I'd never done before as a performance rather than people reading it, you have to perform in the finals. I really got the bug for this and I really enjoyed it. I had such a great time and just wanted to do more. So the acting took a backseat but comedy was more immediate and performing poetry was more immediate. The response from the public to this was fantastic.

Both writing and performing poetry were wonderful, two things that really made me feel good about myself. As an actor you perform other people’s work but as a poet and stand-up hopefully it is your work you are performing and there’s something very reassuring about that.

“I wanted to be an actor because that’s what I felt I was comfortable with”.

Esther: You're in a really fantastic place now, you’ve been places in your life, what’s kept you going when the going got tough and the tough got going Curtis, what is it that inspired you to keep going?

Esther: Most Definitely. So Curtis how did you get into comedy and what made you think that you could be a funny man?

Curtis: I think it is the love of it.

Firstly, I was blessed to be earning a living, doing something I really loved as opposed to only doing a job like in my younger years, because you couldn’t really find one thing that suited you or fitted you then. I remember doing a lot of different things when I was younger, a lot of different pieces of work. Obviously, because of ones temperament, I

Curtis: Firstly, I got into performing.

I wanted to be an actor because that’s what I felt I was comfortable with. I remember being at school and performing in school plays, learning lines that felt quite grown up to me

enjoyed or made the best to enjoy what I was doing it at that time. But once I could make a living out of doing stand up and it’s all I’ve kind of done luckily for most of my life most of my life’s been about performing and I've been able to sustain, a little bit of a living out of it. So I think that’s what keeps me going. It’s like I really enjoying being on stage, the out of stage bits are a bit messy sometimes. But on stage I start to feel in control and the world is very clear and easy from being on stage because everything makes sense, if you know what I mean.

It’s like a drug, a fix and I need that every so often, just to get on stage and do something and do it well. That's why I keep doing it, rather than going off and getting addicted to something else. I’m kind of addicted to the sound of laughter from an audience or in a sense it’s not the sound of laughter, but pondering the thought of people really thinking and listening and silence is a beautiful thing. I know you won’t hear that a lot from comedians but there is a kind of artful laugh to the real pure silence, it’s a wonderful thing and I strive for that.

Esther: I feel it’s because you get the audience really thinking and for some it’s probably a place where they get their “aha” moment.

Curtis: Yes and it depends on where you are. Every gig is different and I try to make every gig different.

There’s are moments when you are in a room full of adults and you can feel they are “grown ups” and that’s a nice feeling and then there are people who just want to drink and have a good time you can do that as well because that's part of your gig, is to entertain.

Esther: Brilliant and Curtis who have been some of the people who have inspired you, whether they've been in the same industry as yourself and who've been people who have been pivotal in your life who have inspired you to do what you do?

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Entertainment

Curtis: Firstly, it’s my father; a big of big inspiration, more intimidation than inspiration, but he was a great motivator. Dave Allen who was an Irish comedian back in the day; he was the one who helped me to see how to write and perform. I loved his work, I never met him but he used to be on T.V. Bev Randal who was my first agent, female, in a world that was very male dominated and she fought our corner and inspired me immensely. There’s so many people who have inspired me such as Eddie Nestor, Robbie Gee, Nelson Mandela.

Everybody’s faced with adversities, everybody gets a knock but the secret is in the coming back with strength and grace that has always impressed me. I’m not really able to do that as I come back with ignorance and that’s not always the way to approach things.

So certain people have taught me about subtlety and being calm even when my blood is boiling. Learning to hold it down is such an art and skill. I admire guys that can do that where society might look at them and say “oh my God, they are selling out, they are really not doing what they are supposed to” and that’s only because they are not reacting the way you would expect them to react but yet they achieve so much more.

That’s a very beautiful thing to watch.

“Dave Allen who was an Irish comedian back in the day; he was the one who helped me to see how to write and perform. I loved his work, I never met him but he used to be on T.V”.

Esther: So Curtis, who are some of the acts you've partnered with over the years who you’ve had a real vibe with?

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Curtis: I think there’s a vibe with me and Gina, Robbie Gee, Eddie Nestor, Roger Griffiths, and Roger Dee. You know there’s a vibe when you get to a theatre or venue and they are in the building and you’re going on stage and you know you are going to have a good time and you are confident that the audience is going to have a good time because everybody there is really good at what they do.

That’s always a good feeling to know that the whole show isn’t resting on you. Sometimes you do gigs and you walk in and think I’m the only one who is going to really do it, and I know that may sound egotistical but, I think a lot of comedians will relate to that fact if you’re a one person show but if you’re on a bill you do expect everyone to carry the weight and everyone’s going to raise the bar a bit and when you get on you have to keep that standard up, it motivates, it really does.

Esther: Ok, so Curtis you’re part of a gig coming up at the Catford Broadway Theatre, London on Saturday 2nd December called “Comedy Link-up.” Tell us who’s going to be on the bill and what are you expecting from it, if anything?

Curtis: I’m expecting a great night of comedy. The line-up is fantastic. I think everybody’s going to get a chance, maybe 20-minutes to perform. It will be a fantastic night, full of entertainment as Harmony Productions always produce some really good shows and the audience that know them know it’s going to be a great night of entertainment, pure laughs galore as always.

Esther: So in winding down Curtis for anybody who wants to step out there and “do their thing” as there’s a lot of people I speak to in my line of work and people sometimes blame this and blame that and there’s a reality, there are boundaries and there are challenges wherever you go but what’s that one piece of advice that you can share to people and say you know what, if this is what you want

to do, do your thing.

“I’d suggest to try to things while you are young where you can express yourself.

Otherwise, I’d say just do it, scratch the itch, see how it goes.

Curtis: I think it’s about being true to yourself. If you want to perform, there’s that bug that stays with you even if you’re doing the 9-5.There’s this thing that keeps tapping away at you and the worst thing you can do is not scratch that itch. I’ve known people who are very entertaining in their younger days then they get to a certain age and they want to change their whole life and that is a bit dangerous. I’d suggest to try to things while you are young where you can express yourself. Otherwise, I’d say just do it, scratch the itch, see how it goes. It might not workbut then you would have done and not have any regrets with I coulda, shoulda, woulda Esther: Well thank you so much for your time and for sharing with my readers. I know that someone somewhere will be inspired by what you’ve said.

Curtis: It’s been a pleasure talking to you, thank you.

Harmony Productions Present: Comedy-Link Up at Catford Broadway Theatre on Saturday 2nd December 2017 - Featuring Curtis Walker, Slim, Robbie Gee, Quincy, Eddie Nestor, Kane Brown, Mr C, Felicity Ethnic.

TICKETS FROM £20 TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT

www.harmony-productions.com www.broadwaytheatre.co.uk

Fine Dining

TURNINGPOINT'S VERY OWN MR TOP HAT TONY JACKSON RECOMMENDS Recommends: FUMO ITALIAN RESTAURANT, 37 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ER

T

he famous West End area of London, also known as theatre land is the hub and bustle for fine dining restaurants, brasseries and cafes. Each day and night many of these havens will conjure up the most esteemed delights of culinary dishes from around the globe but all in the heart of London. This city now houses over 17,000 restaurants in the capital alone (source London’s Mayor Office) with over 49 celebrity chefs and with a further 66 Michelin Star rating.

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in September 2016 it has generated a stir on the grape vine. Time Out Magazine even rated it with four stars within its first few months of trading.

The small plates of Cicchetti are the most attractive feature of dining here along with the full Italian brigade of friendly and attentive Waiters and *Sommeliers. It’s just oozing with personality, zest, atmosphere and theatre if you’re looking for a party like atmosphere. Although part of a signature group Sassi (Knightsbridge) and Cicchetti (Piccadilly and Convent Garden) each restaurant in particular Fumo’s interior design has been carefully selected and made with bespoke precision. The CEO Mr San Carlo once said “the design of the dining area is equally just as important as the food.”

It is therefore of some necessity that one choosing to dine out could always do with a little guide or inside recommendation as well as for the International and European traveller arriving in London for the first time.

“Fumo italian restaurant which stands just Covent garden Garden is one such on the edge of covent new jewel in the crown to emerge with stunning great reviews”.

The menu offers all the favorites of an authentic Italian restaurant with the Tapas style of Chicchetti selection, great wines and cocktails which all adds to the experience.

Headed by celebrity Chef Consigliere AldoZilli along with his brigade of 15 chefs from all over Italy he has created a masterpiece menu made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. I myself would recommend the seafood platter to share. This restaurant aims to bring an authentic Italian experience to diners with the culinary focus on small plates for a reasonable price.

This is delivered on every aspect with flare. Fumo Restaurant in Convent Garden for me epitomizes all of what is attractive about the City of London despite the many challenges it faces, whether it be Brexit and the impact it may have on the hospitality industry or just the economy, the London restaurant scene has never been healthier and I believe that the best is yet to come. Watch this space!

By Tony Jackson CEO and Founder of Butlers of Mayfair Bespoke Events Consultancy Lifestyle Manager Professional Butlers to the Rich and Famous

** A sommelier, or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing. The role is much more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter: In fine dining today the role is strategically on a par with that of the executive chef or chef de cuisine

“Fumo Restaurant in Convent Garden for me epitomizes all of what is attractive about the City of London despite the many challenges it faces, whether it be Brexit and the impact it may have on the hospitality industry or just the economy, the London restaurant scene has never been healthier and I believe that the best is yet to come. Watch this space!”

This column will be dedicated to such travellers or connoisseurs as a guide to where they can discover the best of these little gems and watering oasis’ within this vibrant city. Fumo Italian Restaurant which stands just on the edge of Covent Garden is one such new jewel in the crown to emerge with stunning great reviews. This 130 cover restaurant is part of the famous multi–award winning San Carlos group which offers an all day dining menu, features a solid marble bar and is decorated like a five star boutique hotel entrance. Opened only last year Page 52 | estheraustinglobal.com

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Answer questions in the Giveaway Section to win two complimentary tickets to see Rapunzel at Stratford East Theatre, London - performance ends Saturday 13th January 2018.

COMPETITION Two tickets available to two lucky people to see Rapunzel showcasing until Saturday 13th January 2018 at Theatre Royal Straford East.

ANSWER QUESTIONS BELOW

COMPETITION Ÿ What are the names of all four of

GIVEAWAYS

T

urningPoint magazine are offering its readers some nice giveaways this issue. There is always so much to celebrate and to say thank you for. So as a token and gesture of our goodwill, we are running the below competition. We have three Cd’s to give away.

Plus two complimentary tickets to see Rapunzel and some Intuitive Readings to give away as well. All you need to do is take part in the competition.

the Sister Sledge sisters?

Ÿ What is the name of the new Netfilx

tv series that Russell Peters has coming up? Ÿ Which comedian features in this issue of TurningPointwho will be performing at the Comedy-Link-Up in Catford on 2nd December 2017?

Please submit your full name, email address and mobile number and send your answers to info@estheraustinglobal.com by Friday 15th 8th December 2017. List your preference of FREEBIE from below in your email. Names will be pulled out of the hat and winners will be notified on Monday 18th 11th December 2017.

The Giveaways are new CD’s by Gerald Alston from The Manhattans and Saxophonist Lascelles James (used to play with Boney M back in da day).

SKYPE INTUITIVE READINGS GIVEAWAYS 2 x 30 minute skype intuitive readings to give away If you are looking for guidance and answers in your life, then why not have a reading with Esther Austin, International Intuitive Healer and Intuitive Reader. Down to Earth, honest advice given. The New Year is nearly upon us, so why not start with some good solid sound advice.

“TurningPoint magazine are offering great its readers some nice giveaways this issue.

There is always so much to celebrate and to say thank you for”.

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info@estheraustinglobal.com www.estheraustinglobal.com